Traders manipulate LPG prices: Energy Adviser

Retailers and wholesalers have increased LPG prices through manipulation, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (6 January) while responding to journalists after a meeting of the Advisers’ Committee on Government Procurement and Economic Affairs at the Secretariat.

He said some traders had anticipated a rise in LPG prices, noting that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) had increased the price by Tk 53 or so. “Many are trying to take advantage of this. We have therefore instructed the cabinet secretary to conduct mobile courts in every district to address the issue,” he said.

The adviser added that the matter was also discussed at a law-and-order committee meeting on Monday. “There is no justification for this abnormal price hike. It has been carried out through manipulation,” he said, adding that the government is taking action through district administrations and the police.

When asked who was responsible for the manipulation, he said both retail and wholesale traders were involved.